5 Common Questions About Medical Assistant Internships in New Jersey

The Harris School of Business NJ Medical Assistant students get hands-on training at Internships

Many people are nervous for their first day on the job. Although textbooks are filled with necessary information and advice to help you prepare for a career, you still may want to know what responsibilities will be like in a real-world medical workspace.

If you’re wondering what to expect at an internship, you’re not alone. Here are some questions medical assistant students in New Jersey have about internships.

How Do I Find An Internship?

The Harris School can help you find and set up an internship at a local or nearby medical facility through their Career Development Training & Placement Support services. However, it is your responsibility to apply for it on your own.

When Should I Apply For An Internship?

Internships are scheduled at the end of your coursework, after spending time in the classroom studying topics including medical terminology and anatomy. Before applying for your internship, you must finish all courses in the Medical Assistant Plus program.

Where Should I Apply For An Internship?

It’s important to know what to expect from your internship before you make any decisions about where to apply and what type of medical facility is a good fit for you. You could work in medical environments like:

Physician offices

Outpatient care centers

General medical and surgical care hospitals

Offices of other health practitioners

What Will My Internship Be Like?

During your internship, medical assistant students experience hands-on interaction with patients, office work, and the technical skills required for their medical field. You’ll want to experience everyday procedures so you may become more comfortable in medical surroundings and easily interact with patients and medical staff. But remember that responsibilities given depend on the type of clinic.

At your internship, you’ll experience training that likely includes:

Shadowing over licensed medical assistants

Supervision from qualified staff members

Reassuring patients

Assisting physicians during patient exams

Recording vital signs and taking medical histories

Taking blood pressure and temperatures

Rooming patients

Drawing blood samples

Helping to sterilize medical equipment

Administrative work

Helping to prepare specimens for the lab

How Long Will My Medical Assistant Internship Last?

While enrolled in a medical assistant training program at the Harris School’s New Jersey campuses, students are required to clock in 180 hours at an internship. Luckily, internships are offered all year-round since students are on different schedules. It is the final course needed during your last semester before you graduate.

Soon, you’ll find out how important and active a medical assistant job can be!

Who knows? You may even build strong connections with staff to use as references for your resume. You could even get an opportunity for a full-time job at your internship’s medical network!

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This article is another installment in the Harris School of Business News and Views Blog. If you are interested in learning more about the Professional Medical Assistant Plus training program at the Harris School, contact us at any time. We offer this training program at our New Jersey campuses as well as our Dover, DE location. A Professional Medical Assistant program is offered at our Upper Darby, PA location. Who knows? Your career path might begin at the Harris School!